Chapter Steeling Her: EPILOGUE TWO

“Alright, alright, alright. Listen up, you assholes! Hey! Listen up! Jeez, a bunch of chimps having a field day in the zoo . . .” TJ gathers the guys’ attention by shouting at them. We’ve been in the hotel suite a lot longer than needed. I can feel my palms starting to sweat now, and I can feel my tuxedo beginning to get a little tighter, restricting my airways and the oxygen going to my head.

This is what the Mississippi heat can do to you too. We asked for an air conditioning unit for a reason, and yet the guys left the damn doors open. “Alright let’s all just get a drink. If you don’t have one in your hand, I’m about to make a toast.” The crowd moans playfully back and starts to throw pillows, napkin, and anything else they can get their hands on. “Hey now, behave yourselves or you will not be in for a treat with what I have to say.” TJ picks up anything they threw at him and throws it right back.

I turn to face Reggie, who grins wolfishly, relishing in the embarrassment that’s coming my way. “You know you’re in for it, Jackson.” I groan. I know I’ll need something in hand for now.

“I’ll take a triple McCallan, please,” I say to the bartender that the hotel provided for the day.

“Okay!” TJ yells once everyone, except for me, has a drink. “Now that I have all of your attention,” he begins and talks to all of my friends and family that are here for the special day. The build up to it is killing me inside. “Nick, my main man, the man of the hour. Today is yours and Carter’s special day. I thought this day would never come,” he jokes, sending the room into hysterics. “I know you thought it wouldn’t either. You’re most impatient man I’ve ever known.” A loud cheer and few hands were raised with glasses in the air at my expense.

“Okay, but on a serious note, today is the big day, my man. This is where your life truly begins. Trust me on that. You have been with one of the most beautiful women, both inside and out.” The guys nod in agreement as he said that. I smile happily back as I think about her. “She is a lucky woman, too, man. You have been the brother I never had . . . nor wanted.” TJ grins playfully while everyone chuckles. “But you are one of the kindest people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing, man. I have grown up with you; we’ve been through thick and thin. And if there is one thing that I know for sure, it’s that you deserve this new found happiness you’re about to experience. I couldn’t think of a better person to enjoy it with. Definitely not Haley.” He points with the scotch in his hand as all eyes are on him with his jokes.

Even though he’s lighting up the room with his humor, he knows that I’m nervous about today. I just want to get going. I have been waiting for this for a long time. Not seeing her all night has been killing me.

“You two complement each other in the best possible way. You’re opposites but at the same time very similar. I am happy to see you both so happy with each other. Everyone here can tell that you’re both obsessed with one another. I know, as does everyone else in this room, that this will be a grand moment for the both of you. I’m glad you finally get to marry your other best friend. I’m glad you’ve made it this far, Nick.” He raises his glass, and I finally get mine in time to copy him and the others in the room. “To Nick and Carter!”

“To Nick and Carter!” everyone repeats what he says.

“And a marriage that I know will last a lifetime!” He gets the last part in after. I thank him silently for the toast.

Yep, today is the big day.

I’m officially marrying the love of my life. It only took us eight years to do it after we met and three years after getting back together but we’re here. We’re both ready to tie the knot.

We took things slow and steady, like we agreed. Even if we had our rough moments, we stuck to our guns and took our time for fear we’d ruin it all over again. When we finally got in the groove of things, it was so liberating to be back to what it was before without even trying. Effortless and perfect.

Even if it wasn’t 100 percent like before, we’ve adapted to our new normal and it’s worked out very well for the two of us.

We agreed that there will be no expectations going into it and that we were going to be somewhat different from who we once were in college. Things have changed, and it’s like we’re starting from scratch, only this time we have a little less to anticipate and a little more room to breathe. We’ve learned about each other and took that time to be with one another yet still have time for ourselves. We weren’t always attached at the hip. As much as I wanted to at the beginning, we agreed that it’s not the best for the relationship. We worked hard on it.

Don’t get me wrong, as much as the relationship had its blissful moments, we always had our fair share of fights. We just always agreed that no matter how angry or upset we are with one another, we’d talk to each other about it and never go to sleep on a fight. We’d take the time to understand how the other person felt in that moment. It wasn’t me versus her in the fights, it was us versus the problem.

We’re not the perfect couple, even if it look like it when we’re plastered all over the tabloids and online gossip sites that certain people live for. We have our moments, but that’s the road we took, one that has lead the both of us to getting back fully together.

A large heavy hand weighs on my shoulder. I turn around to meet my father-in-law, Rodger Steel. The most protective goddamn man on this goddamned Earth. Three years of nonstop glares, sly digs, and warnings about Carter, none of which I actually took seriously. I knew at the end of the day, he liked me. He knows that, too, and it only made things between us weirdly playful. We get along great. I have all the time in the world for him and Elaine and vice versa with Carter and my parents. We’ve become a very close family, but it wasn’t easy getting Rodger’s trust back. I had to work for it. Even when he told me Elaine would be more of a problem, I knew she’d give me another chance. However, I knew it would be the only one she’d give.

Our families blended together seamlessly when we got back together. Although it was a bumpy road at first due to so many opinions, doubts, and people being very cautious when it came to our relationship, but that went away once we proved that we were always meant to be together. We pushed through the doubts of outsiders too. That was harder for Carter. So many people we’ve never heard of nor spoke to talked about our relationship, influencing the public in more ways than we could imagine.

Until I shut it completely down in one interview. Since then, we’ve had no problems.

Carter quit from the clinic she originally worked at and opened up her own physical therapy center for all walks of life; old people, children, and athletes to name a few. I own a fair bit of it, but I’m only a name on the paper. Even if she hasn’t gotten the money to buy me out yet, it’s already all hers.

She was hesitant at first after the blow of being turned down to be the physical therapist for the Chargers. I knew she had wanted the job, but she also had to be true to herself. She told herself that it just was not meant to be, and maybe it’s not. She always said that if a position is open in the future, she may have a better chance because of the experience she’ll gain throughout the years. She would go for it if offered the chance, but at the moment, she’s in no rush to make those kinds of changes.

Would I have wanted to see her every day at work? Definitely, but she’s happy with where she is and happy that I could help her out, even if I had to beg her to allow me to. It took a lot of convincing on my part.

Rodger holds his hand out to shake mine, and I set the glass in my hand down on the table I was leaning on. I stand up taller as a sign that he has my full attention. Reggie stands alongside us, sipping on his freshly poured craft beer. “Congratulations, Nick. The tux looks great,” he compliments me.

“Thank you, Rodger. You don’t look half bad yourself. I’m sure you’ll have the ladies all over you later.” Despite this man’s age, he can still attract many of the ladies’ eyes without even trying. I think it’s his aura and confidence, which has often gotten him into trouble with his wife since it gains the attention of many other married women.

“Oh, trust me, it’s already begun. I’m already in trouble just by coming down to see you before the ceremony. Apparently, the girl at the front desk was flirting with me.” He rolls his eyes.

“You still got it, Coach Steel.” Reggie grins before taking a sip of his beer.

“And always will.” Rodger winks back playfully. “I wanted to stop by and wish you all the best today and to thank you for taking care of her in the recent years. I know we’ve had our fair share of ups and downs, but I’m only looking out for her. She’s my only daughter, I’m sure you can understand.” He holds on to my hand so we can keep the bond that we have developed over the years. I nod back in appreciation. “I know you’re a good guy and that your heart is always in the right place. I know I won’t have to worry about you guys because I know she’ll be safe with you.” His lips try to smile but I can see he’s visibly trying to hold himself together as he thinks about Carter. “Welcome to the family, officially.” He winks before he lets go.

“Thank you, Mr. Steel. You are welcome in our home anytime. The door is always open for you guys,” I respond before he gets choked up thinking about his daughter.

Thinking about the wedding has always made him nervous and upset, but in some strange way, it’s brought us all closer together. I’ve gotten my alone time with the father of the bride many times, and I knew it was needed. We got to talk some things over about the past, present, and future for the two of us. He’s good for advice . . . but only for football.

Elaine is the woman you need to talk to for things outside of it. But the main woman I like to hash things out with is the woman of my dreams; Miss Carter Steel, soon to be Mrs. Carter Jackson.

“Thank you. we will be using that open invitation.” Reggie laughs raucously at Rodger’s joke. He absolutely knows about what I’ve landed myself in.

Reggie has three kids after all these years, with one more in the oven with Cassie. They got married straight after college when he got signed for the Kansas City Chiefs. Reggie out of all of us has moved the most. I don’t think he’s stayed with one team for more than two years. Currently, he’s playing for the Giants as one of Rodger’s players and Austin Steel’s teammate.

The industry is tight, so it’s a pretty small world to work in. Everybody knows everybody.

“Now, I will leave you guys to it. And TJ!” Rodger roars over to him to get his attention. “I want him at the top of the aisle NOT swaying from side to side when I give my daughter away. That goes for you too! Ease up on the shots and scotch!” he yells, only for everyone to laugh in good spirits. “And I do mean both of you.” He turns around and slides the glass of scotch away from me. “You’ll have all night to drink yourself into a coma after the wedding.” He raises an eyebrow as one of his playful warnings. I salute him before he leaves to go and see his daughter. The man is a powerhouse. You can’t disagree with him. “I want you there on time and sober,” he warns again. I know he’s being serious.

“You got it!” I reassure him that I will be at the altar standing straight for when I see him walking the beautiful bride down the aisle to me so we can start our new life together.

The amount of things he’s been through himself as a person is mind-blowing. Even then, very few know anything about him even if he’s a large personality. I respect him immensely and I know he just wants today to go right for the both of us.

After speaking to Rodger, my own dad enters the room and they shake each other’s hands as they cross paths. It took some time to get them on board with one another. Two years, maybe even more. We got there in the end. Now, they have a mutual understanding with one another after having a one-on-one discussion which none of us know anything about. It’ll remain a secret between only the two of them. I think they will take that conversation with them to their graves.

My dad does his rounds and talks to the people around. I catch his eye and he gives me a small nod of congratulation for the day. I send one back to thank him for coming and recognizing my love for her. It means the world to me. I know this day will be a special one for both families and parents, but for my dad, it means a lot to him that I’m happy, he just won’t say it out loud. He’s a proud Mississippi country man, but I know that nod was his way of letting me know he cares, and I value that.

I am a firm believer that being around certain people can make you happy, but there is a fine line between depending on someone to make you happy and being around someone that makes you happy. Understanding the difference has been a key factor for mine and Carter’s relationship to heal for the better. We started to depend on each other for happiness and slowly made sure to ease up on that dependency, and it made us so much more happier in our everyday life; it made things easy and natural. The flow was back, and we didn’t have to force it despite having to remind each other several times. We got there in the end.

We respect each other’s boundaries and never push it.

Being around someone that makes you happy is much better than depending on them. Depend on yourself to make your own happiness, but you can share it with your other half. Codependency is not the key.

Making sure of that is why I’m here today. I’ve waited eight years for me to wed that very person, and I cannot wait to make her my Mrs. Jackson forever.

There’s no going back now. I’m happy with her, and I know I will be for the rest of our lives together.

***

A soft knock greets the bridal party.

Danielle opens the door, peeping out to see who it is in case it’s someone looking to come see me when they can wait until the wedding starts. She swings the door open to reveal my dad, who has come from the groom’s gathering that’s in another suite. I can only imagine what TJ has them doing down there.

My dad enters inside after hugging Danielle and kissing my mom afterwards. He makes his way through the room and finally gets to me. We are all in our robes and some lounge pants, getting ready for people to get into their dresses. Once the bridesmaids are in theirs, we can start preparing to move. My mom has to help me into mine so nothing gets torn or stained.

Plus, I’m so nervous that I’m sweating; I can’t be sweaty when getting into the dress or else there will be stains. My mom keeps feeding me ice cubes to suck on so I cool down, which seems to do the trick.

Even though I’m so nervous, I’m also excited to marry Nick, to marry my best friend in the whole world and to be with him forever. It’s finally happening after so many years of high and low points, I’m getting my happily ever after.

A soft kiss on my cheek from my dad helps keep the jitters at bay. “Well, don’t you look beautiful, Carter.” He smiles down at me. I have had my hair and make-up completed with a seamstress on standby in case I need anything done to any of the dresses. He rubs both of his hands along my arms to comfort me.

“Thanks, Dad. You look so handsome in your suit,” I compliment him while fixing his tie that has shifted slightly to the side.

“Thank you. You picked out a good suit, huh? How are you doing now? Your mom said you didn’t sleep too well last night.” he asks even though he already knows the truth. I know he and my mom talk nonstop about it all the time.

“I’m a little tired. Honestly, I couldn’t sleep last night because I was so impatient. I wanted the night to move faster. I want to see him—I want to be with him. That’s all.” I shrug as I notice some of the girls beginning to fetch their dresses to get this wedding started.

“I know, and I get the feeling he’s excited to see you. Especially in your dress.” He rests both of his large hands on my shoulders then spins me around to push me towards my mom. “But they are starting to move soon, so you have to get changed in case you need more alterations, or makeup, or whatever it is you girls spend your lives doing.”

My mom rolls her eyes and cradles me as we walk into the suite they have dedicated for the dress I have bought—well, my dad bought for me. He has never seen me in it, and he doesn’t want to until the day of the wedding. I know he finds it very hard to let me go, especially when I’m his only daughter. I can see it in his eyes. Even with that heartache though, he is very happy for me and Nick.

I walk into the room where my dress is hanging up in. It has a black plastic cover around it because I know there are cameras outside looking to get their money shot of the dress and spoil the day for me.

I had been looking everywhere when I initially went shopping for the dress. My dad said I could have whatever I wanted, but I didn’t want it to cost an arm and a leg for him. He’s worked so hard for his money that he could have spent on himself and my mom, but he insisted I get the dress I wanted, no matter the budget.

I am really lucky to have that option. Not many do and I’m very grateful.

Searching for the dress was hands down the most stressful thing I’ve ever had to endure. It went on for weeks and weeks in different states across the country, until I finally went to a private booking that Haley got me at Oscar de la Renta in LA. There, I found the one that I just adored. The fitting was easy, and the dress is custom made to pure perfection. I hope Nick thinks the same.

My mom unzips the dress from the bag and lays it across the bed in the room.

I’ve stayed in a large suite to myself the entire night. Although the idea of being able to relax and do my own thing was originally the plan, it didn’t turn out that way. The girls and my mom all came around last night to have some drinks and time to unwind before the wedding. It was nice to catch up with them and we played some fun games. But when it came down to trying to fall asleep, I just couldn’t do it. The thought of getting married right then and there has crossed my mind one too many times thanks to my brain working in overdrive, hence the bags under my eyes.

It’s been untouched since the final fitting and has been in that bag to protect it. I’ve had it hidden in my parents’ place in case Nick stumbles across it by accident and ruins the tradition of every wedding. Just for safe keeping.

My mom smiles down at the dress in thought. “I remember when I first saw you in this when you decided to try it on. I could tell it was the one just from the look on your face. You looked like a true angel in it, and I’ve never seen someone so beautiful in a dress like that before. It really took my breath away, sweetheart.” As I get closer to the dress, I can see the tears starting to well up in her eyes as she focuses on me.

She lifts her head and focuses her gaze upwards, beginning to fan her face to stop the tears from falling. “No, we’re not going to do it!” she scolds herself. “You are not crying right now, Elaine!” she admonishes herself again. I couldn’t help but chuckle a little before giving her a great big hug.

She’s been my rock throughout the last three years. Sure, I have Nick, but my mom has been with me from the very start along with my dad.

The dress is a mermaid gown with a low back that just touches the bottom of my ribs with spaghetti straps to bring out the v-neckline in the front of the dress. The bodice is made up of fresh and crisp white lace with lining underneath it. It falls so elegantly to just above my knee, showing off a small train of delicate lace stretching behind me as I walk. The dress accentuates my curves in all the right places. It’s a simple dress, and that’s why I love it so much. It fits my personality like a glove.

No glitz or glamour. That just isn’t my style.

“I love you,” I whisper in her ear, making her squeeze me back. I know that she’s trying not to say anything in case she cries, but she still lets me know that she feels the same. I’ve always been very close with my mom. I’ve never had a bad relationship with my parents and I’m very appreciative for that. Sure, we’ve had our fights, but what family hasn’t.

Gage, Reggie, Austin, and Chris are groomsmen while TJ is the best man at the wedding. I’ve asked for Haley, Cassie, my cousin Harper, and Candice to be my bridesmaid, leaving Danielle to be the Maid of Honor and Taylor to be the flower girl. I have it all prepared. We practiced too. I like having a run-through so that I know what I’m doing to make things run smoothly.

When I decided to set up my own business with Nick’s help, I poached Candice to come and join me. I knew that what she was getting paid for at our old job wasn’t helping her in the long run. I promoted her because I know she would do such a good job. She’s the manager in the athletic department of the physical therapy clinic I now own and run. I have two other managers; one manages the therapists who primarily deal with general walk-ins and older clients, and the other manages children, young adults, and adult rehabilitation.

It’s a small business, but we’re slowly growing day by day. We do an excellent job reaching out to anyone who needs our help. I have a lot of trust in my management team.

I don’t just sit in the back though. I take on clients just as much in all areas. I enjoy having a routine where I get to converse with people who stop by the clinic in Sherman Oaks, a prime but expensive area. If it hadn’t been for Nick, I wouldn’t be able to do it at all.

He drops in every so often to get treatment for his shoulder. It’s slowly healing back to what it once was, but we still have a long way to go. He still, to this day, refuses treatment from the Chargers’ therapist and always comes to my clinic just so he can support me even when he has already helped me in more ways than one.

Taylor turned eight a few months ago. She always loves coming down to Mississippi to be with her grandparents.

I don’t mind coming down here either. You get all you need. Some of my best childhood memories were in Mississippi before we moved to New York when my dad became a coach for the Giants.

Nick and I decided to get married here because it means so much to us. Long Beach, Mississippi is where we decided on. The hotel we’re currently in has decided to organize everything with the wedding planner so that it is exactly to our taste. Our wedding is simple, with a limited guestlist so that it’s hidden away from prying eyes.

We’re not getting married on the beach exactly. We’re getting married in the special gardens that has a large wooden gazebo, vines of roses laced around it, the ocean and beach remaining as a background. The reception is in the hotel venue itself, where it will be in a separate location within the grounds. It’s a private and small party. We don’t need a whole lot of people here, just family and close friends. It took us a lot of time flying back and forth between here and LA to find the perfect place, but where we decided is just right. It’s what we envisioned. The wedding planner did a great job in locating this for us.

Speaking of wedding planner.

Another knock on the door echoes around the room before it’s pushed open. I know that it’s her, Sienna. After she enters, she shuts the door behind her. With a clipboard in her hand, she raises it so she can look at her watch to see what time it is. “Alright, so, how are we both doing?” She beams with excitement, making me copy her.

“Good,” I respond as my mom gathers her voice.

“Good! Alright, we have about ten minutes before we need to start moving along, okay? I’ve told the guys to start making their way down to the garden. We will have to start soon, too, okay? The guests have arrived on time, which is an first for me.” She nods and I copy her yet again. “Okay then, let’s get you in this masterpiece of a dress.” She throws her clipboard over to the table. She claps her hands together to rid of any dust before touching the dress. It’s very delicate, there’s only one way of getting into it without tearing it.

My mom reaches over and starts to unzip the access point from the side of the dress. I begin to pull off my robe and lounge wear to slip into it. My white backless bra has been checked and secured time and time again for fear I have a fashion fiasco. My underwear is white so that you can’t see them. Everything has been prepared well in advance, but now, it’s finally the time.

This is it.

As I slip into the dress and pull it up, I adjust the straps around my shoulders. My mom zips me into place while Sienna grabs my white heels to go with the dress.

Something borrowed, something blue, right?

My mom gave me her lucky pin that she wore to her wedding with my dad. It’s a blue pin with the words “Steel” and my dad’s football number back when he played in high school and college. She’s letting me borrow it for today. I watch her as she pins it to the back of my dress.

Sienna returns with my shoes and helps me put them on and strap me in. Once they’re on, I know I’m ready.

No veil for me. Plain, I know, but this is the way I like it.

I stand up and fix my hair so it falls down my back in effortlessly soft waves. I take a deep breath.

I’m ready for this. I’m ready for this day and our wedding, I think to myself as my mom finishes zipping up my dress. I’m ready to be Mrs. Carter Jackson.

Sienna holds the door open to where the guests are. I’m greeted with smiles, stares, and joy on their faces. But it’s my dad that I want to see. He hasn’t seen me in this dress before. It’s his first time to experience it today.

He’s sitting on a tub chair in the suite, staring out the window and leaning on his elbow that is propped up by the small round glass table.

It’s the sudden quietness in the room that catches his attention, then he soon focuses on to me. His mouth hangs open as he sits and looks at the dress, his eyes wandering down the length of it. He pushes himself up from the chair and stands in complete and utter shock.

“Well?” I break the ice jokingly.

He smiles and shakes his head disbelievingly with his hand over his mouth. “You look beautiful, Carter.” His jaw tightens as he rubs his eyes. I know it’s become real for him, I can see it in his face. “You really and truly are beautiful, baby girl.” He holds back the tears that I know he wants to release, but he’s a guy, and guys try not to cry. I can see he’s trying to hold himself back to keep it all together. I know he doesn’t want to see me go, but he knows that I’ll always be around and that I will always be a Steel.

He reaches across to engulf me in a great hug. “I am so happy for you, sweetheart,” he whisper’s so it can only be heard between the two of us. This a moment just for us.

“Thanks, Dad,” I reply, appreciating this very moment were sharing. It’s all any girl could ask for with her father, the very first man she truly loves, and he will always be just that to me.

After a few celebratory drinks of champagne and countless warnings from Sienna, it is time. It is finally time for me to be reunited with my love. The more I think about it, the more excited I become. I don’t care who is attending the wedding, this is about me, him, and our future together.

My dad holds out a bent elbow for me to slide my own arm through so we can walk together. I know Danielle has my bouquet. After I was made to be the Maid of Honor at Haley’s wedding and a bridesmaid at Danielle’s, it’s time they pay me back.

Outside of the room, there are two security guards to escort the party down to the wedding area and bypass all of Nick’s party and the paparazzi. The girls walk in front. I walk with both of my parents.

We ride down the elevator to get to the reception area—which is off limits for the next hour, hence why we needed to move at this time—and come to the end of it. Only people who work at the hotel are allowed in the area, and the majority of them stand back and watch as we all make our way to the golf carts that are waiting outside to drive us to the gardens without ruining the dresses. There are two people per cart, plus the driver. I’ll ride with my dad. My mom and Sienna ride together.

It’s a short drive through the trees to get to the wedding area. Once we arrive, we could hear the chatter from the guests as we hop off the carts to get into position. Sienna races around to get things organized before we kick off the wedding.

The girls line up in the order Sienna wants them to be in, and I give my mom a kiss on the cheek before she steps out to take her seat. We are hiding behind a wall of white and pink roses. When we’re ready, we will walk through the gap and down the aisle.

Taylor, as the flower girl, will walk first. For the bridesmaids, Candice will go first, then Cassie, then Harper and then Haley, leaving Danielle to walk last in line as my maid of honor and to make sure everything is okay.

As they walk one by one, I can feel my dad kiss my temple. I know that this is the final hurdle for me. I am so wrapped up in my world. I’m watching everything around me when I should be enjoying this special moment. As we step closer and closer to the gap, I feel the butterflies flutter inside of me.

I just can’t wait to see him.

“You ready, kiddo?” my dad asks for the go ahead.

I take one deep breath in and hold my bouquet on my right hand and my dad on my left. I nod. “Let’s do this.”

The typical wedding music plays by the small orchestra we hired to serenade the crowd who are just off to the side of the gazebo.

I know it’s time. I’m ready. I look at my dad, who nods happily to indicate that now is the moment. “I love you. I’m so proud of you, Carter,” he whisper’s before we walk out together. I can feel Sienna fixing the train behind me so it won’t catch on anything as I walk. I’m trying not to cry by his kind words. I’m trying to hold myself together and smile.

I can see Nick standing underneath the large archway completely decorated with flowers that match the wall my dad and I were hiding behind. The ocean waves are crashing softly in the background, the perfect picture of blue skies and blue ocean decorating the whole place. Pillars are placed at the end of each row for guests, connecting to another archway to walk through to get to their seats, which is completely saturated with flowers. The colors are breathtakingly beautiful.

As we walk down the aisle to the rhythm of the music, I look at my future husband and see him standing handsomely in a black tuxedo, his hands joined softly in front of him as he stares back at me with a soft smile and bright eyes. A soft breeze greets me, and my hair sways a little across my bare back. He looks absolutely incredible as always. His fresh white shirt accentuates his tanned face and model-like features.

My heart leaps, flips, jumps, and rams against every part of my chest. I’m on a high because I finally get to see and be with him.

Together with my father in tow, we make it to the end of the aisle. I am greeted by the groomsmen lined up behind Nick as well as the minister who is about to marry us. Nick walks down to shake my dad’s hand and to take me up beside him. “Take good care of her,” he says to Nick as he grips tightly onto his hand. I can’t help but chuckle.

“I always do,” Nick replies confidently.

I feel a warm hand on my back and a soft kiss on my temple as I stand between the two men. I kiss my dad on the cheek and give him a great, big hug before he leaves me to take his seat next to his wife.

I take Nick’s hand in mine, and he takes me up the steps, one by one, so we can present ourselves to the altar. I hand Danielle my bouquet to hold for the ceremony.

The ceremony went by in a flash. I honestly couldn’t remember any of it, it was all such a blur. All I did was focus on Nick the entire time. There were many jokes about it, and I didn’t mind one bit.

It was our moment—our day—and that’s all that really mattered to me in the end. Nothing could have gone wrong in my eyes. I was happy to be standing there with him as we we said our vows and promises to one another. Marriage isn’t easy, but we’re prepared for it. I know well be just fine.

Together, we can get through it all.

***

The first moment alone that we had after we said our “I Do”s to one another and celebrated with our first, official kiss of being married was when we had our first dance together. We were in the middle of the room for our private reception. It was our very first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Jackson.

I was quick to remind him that I will always have the Steel blood within me wherever I go. He was largely okay with that too. He knows that I am both a Steel and a Jackson.

“You look so beautiful,” he whispers into my ear, my hair tickling the back my neck. “Amazingly beautiful. I didn’t think it would be possible.” I chuckle over his shoulder as we hold one another and sway from side to side, dancing alone in the middle of the room to “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Kina Grannis.

We heard the song in an movie we had gone to see in the theater one night. We both thought it was a beautiful rendition of the old Elvis song. It’s so soothing, like a lullaby.

“Well, you don’t look too bad yourself, Mr. Jackson,” I tease him as I pull my head back to speak to him. It’s just us—just what I wanted.

He looks so handsome in his tuxedo; it fits him to perfection. You can tell everything was tailored to suit his body type. Most football players cannot fit into regular clothing, so they get custom made clothes most of the time. This time, being a special event, was no exception.

“And I cannot wait to slide this gorgeous dress off your perfect body later on and blow your mind, baby,” he jokes and I throw my head back to laugh raucously. It’s just us on the dancefloor. The people around us gathers around to watch the two of us have a cute moment as a couple. They don’t know how dirty-minded my husband is right now.

“You’ll probably be passed out on the bed later on if TJ has anything to do with it,” I quip back playfully, knowing that TJ has every intention of getting Nick as drunk as possible and as quickly as possible. “And if you puke, you will be spending the first night as a husband alone,” I tease as I look up into his eyes and see those hunter-green hues glisten humorously in front of me. I’m lost in them, as per usual.

“That’s why I’m planning to sneak off with you later, so be ready for the time of your life.” He grins cheekily, showing that panty dropping dimple on his left cheek that most women die for.

“I’ve already had the time of my life today,” I say seriously as I caress the back of his head. All jokes aside, it really has hit me just how happy I am right now; it’s the most memorable day of my life. I want to stay in the present with him and really enjoy all of it. I want this day to last as long as it can. I want to cherish all these moments and remember them forever. I don’t want to rush this.

“Me too.” He leans in for a kiss, to which I gladly accept. We kiss for a moment, forgetting where we are, until an obnoxious whistle reaches our ears.

“HEY! Save it for later! There are kids here!” TJ covers Taylor’s eyes, and his audience gives him his favorite reaction. We both roll our eyes at him being so . . . TJ, but we wouldn’t change him for anything.

It took us both until three in the morning before we could finally get some alone time for ourselves. The celebrations continued on without us, not that we could protest. We just disappeared from sight so we could go to our penthouse suite and enjoy our alone time in the best room the hotel has to offer.

It was hard to miss us leaving. We couldn’t just slip out of our own wedding celebration without being noticed. We had to talk to some people as we slowly made our way to the door and out to reception.

We ride the elevator together as he holds the special key that gives us access to the suite. I hold his hand in mine and rest my head on his shoulder while I stare at his reflection through the reflective elevator doors. Nick kisses my head over and over again as he whispers sweet things that makes me smile both inside and out. It feels surreal to be married to him, but I’ve also been waiting so long for this day to happen.

It’s the ding that tells us we were ready to walk into our own world and have it all to ourselves. Nick wraps both of his arms around me from the back, careful to not step on my dress, as we walk towards our private sanctuary together.

I open the door and see our clothes had already been unpacked like we had requested. The bedsheets had also already been spread for us. A king-sized bed with crisp white sheets and fluffy pillows to match is beautifully laid out for us. It looks more like a cloud than a bed.

White transparent drapes cover as much of the floor length windows as it can. The windows overlook the ocean and beach connected to the hotel. A flatscreen TV is mounted on the wall opposite from our bed, and the walls around us are painted gray with some paintings hanging at eye level.

The kisses start on the back of my neck. I immediately feel aroused just by his touch, my entire body reacts to him like no other. It knows his touch—knows it very well. Nick’s two hands release their hold on me and move to my shoulders, taking the straps with them as he brings them down my arms. A pulse ripples down my body from his delicate touch. I couldn’t wait for this moment.

We haven’t even turned on the lights to the room yet. It’s just us and the moonlight.

I feel the zipper in my side being dragged down. Soon after, my dress falls to the carpeted floor. The soft material bunches up at my feet. I step away and turn around to face Nick. I take off my backless bra and throw it somewhere. I stand in front of him in only my panties.

I have always had issue with showing my body to people. I’m shy, and always have been, but I’m comfortable with showing it to Nick. I feel safe with him. I trust him. I can be myself with him, out of shape or in shape, it doesn’t matter all that much to him.

I start taking off his tuxedo jacket. I push it off his broad, muscular shoulders and let that accompany my dress on the floor. I then move on to the buttons of his shirt while he takes his bow tie off. Both of us couldn’t wait for this moment any longer. My hands are fidgeting, and he knows that, so he kisses me hungrily and helps me with his shirt until it’s resting on the floor. I see and feel those abs glistening back to me in the moonlight. The ripples of his six pack makes my mouth water with excitement.

I grip the back of his head and kiss him passionately again. My hands automatically go to release his pants so we could get rid of them. I can immediately feel his hardness as I’m undressing him. As his pants drop, he kicks off his shoes and lifts me up without a hitch. We didn’t stop kissing one another. He lays me gently on the bed and climbs on top of me.

I reach down to get rid of my heels; I take care of the left foot while he removes the one on my right. Both hungry for one another, we kick them off the bed and continue where we left off.

Nick hovers over me and adjusts himself so he is ready. He looks down at my underwear. I know that look on his face. I can tell from his eyes that he wanted them gone. He kisses the crook of my neck and then keeps moving down the valley of my breasts, going past my navel to get a grip on my underwear between his teeth. I can’t help but smile. I lift up my hips as his hands grasps my butt as he slides the underwear off my hips with his teeth, pulling them down my legs. It is a sight to behold.

He throws the lingerie to somewhere in the room and, just as he is coming back up to kiss me, I hook both of my feet onto his underwear so that when he moves closer his tight black boxers slide down his thighs. Junior springs to life after being released from his confinement. He kicks his underwear off his feet and kisses me again, harder.

I can feel him teasing my entrance, and it makes me crave him.

He knows that we can’t hold out any longer. We’ve been waiting all day for this. He eases himself in, and I gasp as I adjust to him. Every time my body adjusts to him, I feel like I’m on cloud nine. I spread my legs wider so he has better access to me. He thrusts in and out in a perfect rhythm that has my knees already quaking, the pleasure building up within me.

I moan out in bliss when he thrusts back inside of me. I can feel the sensation forming inside of me. I open my eyes and see him already peering down at me, gently pulling himself out and pushing himself in. His green eyes glisten with love, and I watch his pupils dilate from how I feel. The heat from our bodies radiates between us, making the room warmer and the windows steam up from the inside. My hand reaches to the back for his head to pull him down for another kiss as he continues.

I’m wet enough for him. I’ve been waiting all day for him to take me. He looked so damn good in his tuxedo, which made me crave him during the wedding, but he looks even better naked.

I grip onto his arm and give it a gentle squeeze to let him know everything feels so good right now. Just from that, he picks up the pace. I can feel my head spin from the indulgence between us driven by the love that we share for each other. There is no question in that, especially from the emotions felt from today.

I moan even louder load as he goes faster and faster. “Oh my God! Nick!”

The tension in my lower abdomen gets tighter. My head spins even more intensely than before. We continue to kiss passionately through our moans and heavy pants. My mind turns blank. All I can feel is him.

Nick’s hand slides underneath me to lift me up and flip us, lying underneath me. He’s given me control. He sits up so we can keep kissing. I grind my hips and feel the knot tightening even more. I throw my head back, feeling the intense pleasure of the switched positions.

“Like that, Carter . . .” Nick takes an erect nipple into his mouth to heighten my sensitivity. I can feel my sense of pleasure take a sharp jump. With his hand on my back to pull me closer to him, I continue to grind my hips and quicken my pace as I feel myself getting closer and closer. I need this release just as much as he does right now.

“Fuck,” Nick groans onto my skin and rests his head between my breasts, now feeling what I have been feeling. I keep the pace at this intensity and wait for the rush of the most beautiful sensation a couple can feel when making love to one another.

“Yes . . .” I pant and continue feeling my rise nearly come to an end, ready to ride the wave. “Yes!” I scream as I feel it nearing and coming to hit me with all the force it’s got. I welcome it with both arms. I am so ready for this. I need this feeling of paradise to last all night.

“Don’t stop!” Nick pleads and I indulge his request. I take the opportunity to speed up my tempo and feel it come to its peak.

I know he does as well, because he’s breathing erratically and is yelling “Fuck, yes!” I let out a string of moans as my head drops back down to his face as we enjoy ourselves and ride this out together.

“Yes, yes, yes! OH! GOD!” I continue to thrust my hips to squeeze out every last drop of pleasure that I can get from my husband. My entire body shudders above him as I feel the effects of our tryst. Nick’s eyes are glued shut as I feel every inch of him thrust faster and faster to push this pleasure out longer. I know he’s releasing inside of me, and it feels delicious. This is our first time to not use a condom. I’m glad I get to really feel every inch of him and feel him finish inside of me without worrying. We’re ready to start our union together and our family.

Once we came down off the high we were on, we remain in our current position to catch our breaths because we are breathing erratically. I can feel a pulse rip through my entire body, leaving a tingling sensation all over me.

We kiss tenderly to complete the moment.

“Perfect—.” He pushes back a loose piece of hair that had fallen across my face. “You are just so perfect,” he whispers before planting a warm and affectionate kiss on my lips once more. I collapse next to him on the bed after riding that high. We lay there in silence, staring at one another until I start smiling at him.

“What?” he asks, confused as to why I’m smiling.

“We’re married,” I say and bite my lip.

“I love hearing that from you.” He leans his head back in pleasure after hearing the words. “I cannot believe we actually finally got to this day. You’re Mrs. Carter Jackson now.” He grins like a child on Christmas day. “You know what that means.” He shuffles around next to me as he pulls the sheets over the two of us so we can snuggle to together.

“What?” I ask and rest my head on his shoulder so I can look up at him.

“That I have to get your new initials and today’s date tattooed underneath this one.” He points to the left peck that I’m laying my head on. I adjust myself and lean on my elbow to run my hand over it. I switch my gaze to him and tilt my head to the side so it’s resting on my shoulder.

“Really?” I ask as I stare back down at the ink and trace my finger over it.

“Yeah,” he whispers faintly.

I lean down so I can kiss his tattoo and his heart—the heart I fell hopelessly in love with and will always be in love with.

Tonight is the most perfect start for our relationship as Mr. and Mrs. Jackson. I couldn’t have asked it to go any better.

After all that we’ve been through, I’m finally with my forever and ever.